Hot Stove Review: Rangers

The Rangers started out the Hot Stove League season with a run at Anthony Rendon, but were quickly outbid.   Coming off a run of success in signing mid-level SP's, they went back to that well with a couple of free agents and a trade.  Key Moves:

Free Agents Lost:  David Carpenter(RHP), Logan Forsythe(2B), Hunter Pence(OF).

Free Agents Signed:  Kyle Gibson(RHP), Jordan Lyles(RHP), Robinson Chirinos(C), Joely Rodriguez(LHP), Todd Frazier(3B).

Trades:  Acquired Corey Kluber(RHP) from the Indians for Emmanuel Clase(RHP) and Delino DeShields(OF).  Acquired Steele Walker(OF) from the White Sox for Nomar Mazara(OF).  Acquired Sam Travis(1B) from the Red Sox for Jeffrey Springs(LHP).  Acquired Adolis Garcia(OF) from the Cardinals for Cash.

Minor League Signings:  Cody Allen(RHP), Greg Bird(1B), Tim Dillard(RHP), Matt Duffy(3B), Tim Federowicz(C), Brian Flynn(LHP), Wei-Chiang Huang(RHP), Taylor Jungmann(RHP), Derek Law(RHP), Rob Refsnyder(2B), Yadiel Rivera(IF), Blake Swihart(C), Edinson Volquez(RHP).

Summary: Rangers continue an interesting plan which has had mixed success so far.  Probably not quite a contending team yet, even if the mid-level pitching FA's pan out.

Grade C.

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Someone responded to the Mariners Hot Stove League Review with a rant about how the Giants are in the same position as the Mariners with a lot young players who they need to find out what they can do.  Uh, no they are not.  If you think so, and also think Farhan Zaidi is a smart GM, why do you think he brought in a bunch of vets off the waiver wire just before spring training to block said young players?  Mauricio Dubon, Logan Webb and Tyler Rogers will get their looks, but almost all of the Giants top prospects are at least a half season away from being ready for their MLB debut.